I plan on setting up a sorority in the the fall. My question is what will I need in regards to the tank? I can pick up a 20gal for 26$, but it comes with nothing. So what would I need for it, besides the obvious heater, filter of some sort, and the decor inside (plants gravel, etc)? I have the option of buying one with a hood, but it's 20$ extra. Should it be considered a necessity?

I had a fish tank once before, but I am not going to rely on that experience I Was a lousy fish keeper back then.

Ever since I got onto this forum and started hearing about sororities, I've wanted one. Right now my one male is in his 10 gallon tank all by himself, but I might oust him and put him in a new 3ish gallon so I can turn the 10g into a sorority. I'm going to be going to Petco tomorrow to check out 3-5g tanks. I'll get my boy set up in his new home before worrying about the sorority. But I'm super excited to get started and to be able to go pick out a bunch of new girls. (:

wooo, I've got my sorority started! Kovu is now in a nice cozy 2.5g, and gets a full view of the girls' tank. ;D Right now he's just watching like "CAT FIGHT!" I've got four girls right now, all a bit over an inch long, so I think they're just babies still. They're just bobbing around in their little temporary containers from Petco so that they can see each other without interacting just yet. And I think I already know who's going to be alpha, 'cause there's one female who's having a bigger fit than the others. :P She's going nuts, just flaring her little gills. It's adorable coming from something as small as her, hahaha.

edit: they seem to be calming down now, so I'm going to try releasing them, but I'll be at the ready with a QT tank and a net! wish me luck! (:

Started a sorority today in 10 gallon. It was a gift to the girlfriend and she decorated it as she wanted. She bought 3 girls and one is larger and we took her out allready as she was relentless in chasing the others. I know some chasing is normal but they were going so fast you couldnt see them. I figure a day or two of time out and maybe a coupel more girls to spread out the agression will help.

Dodged a bullet today as the "female" I thought i bought last week I think is actually a male but unsure what type. He/it looks liek a female but has no white spot down below. ANd when during fish tank clening I set its bowl by Pickle's 10 gallon tank...Pickle flared and puffed and so did the one in the bowl....so I think I got a male. Whis I coudl figure out pics to get opinions.